(c) progress in converting self-help television
re-transmission services from analog mode to digital mode;
and

(d) the identification and rectification of blackspots in
relation to the reception of:

(i) commercial television broadcasting services; and

(ii) national television broadcasting services;

in digital mode.

(2) The Minister must consult the ACMA in relation to the
preparation of a report under subclause (1).

(3) The Minister must cause copies of a report under
subclause (1) to be tabled in each House of the Parliament
within 15 sitting days of that House after the completion of the
report.

(4) In this clause:

self-help television re-transmission service means a television
re-transmission service that:

(a) is covered by subsection 212(1); and

(b) is provided by a self-help provider (within the
meaning of section 212A).

Senate reasons for disagreeing
to amendments nos 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7

made by the House of
Representatives

Amendment no. 4 deletes a clause, inserted on the motion of
the Opposition, which would require the Government to report to
each House of the Parliament the action taken to identify and
rectify digital transmission blackspots. The Senate considers that
this is a necessary accountability measure which will aid in
ensuring that adequate levels of coverage and reception quality are
achieved in the switch-over to digital television
broadcasting.

The
other government amendments seek to put in place alternative
reporting arrangements. The regime inserted in the bill on the
motion of the Coalition provides more accountability than the
Government’s alternative. It provides for more regular
reports on digital blackspots; specifically identifies the regions
and the numbers of households affected; and reinforces the
objective of achieving an equivalent level of coverage to
households after the switch-over to digital television.

On
this basis, the Senate does not accept these amendments.

Schedule of the consequential amendment made by the
Senate

(1) Schedule 2, page 7
(lines 16 and 17), omit “after the making of the first
determination under subclause 5G(1),”, substitute “from
1 April 2009”.